PEPPERJACK’S KIDS RUNNING PROGRAM
Get Kids Moving And Give Them The Means To Do It!
Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood. Children’s lives can be impacted in a fun and enjoyable way by teaching the development of life skills resulting in them living a healthier, safe, and balanced life. In 2025, 300 elementary and middle school- aged kids (4th–8th Grade) from inner-city and economically challenged neighborhoods throughout the Tampa Bay community are taking part in the Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program presented by the MEB Foundation. Since November, the kids have participated in Tampa Parks & Recreation Department Staffed fitness drills and life skills training, introducing running as a lifestyle activity and the idea that being fit can be fun. In addition, they also learn about proper nutrition presented by USF Pediatrics Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, goal setting, teamwork, problem solving, empathy and more. The goal for the kids from the beginning…their carrot…if they attend all the training sessions, attend
school on a daily basis (no absences), have a good attitude, are polite, respectful, and helpful, and work as a team, on Sunday morning, Feb. 23, they, along with their coaches, chaperones, and volunteers, will be transported to Bayshore Boulevard to run the final two miles of the 2025 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon, led by Olympian Meb Keflezighi. Before heading down Bayshore Boulevard, Pepperjack’s Kids will touch the lives of thousands of Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon runners and walkers in the final two miles of their half marathon. The kids will cheer them on, give high fives as the participants pass by and provide a boost to get them to the Finish Line. After making a HUGE impact on the 2025 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon Runners & Walkers, the Pepperjack’s Kids will experience Bayshore Boulevard and the feeling of crossing the 2025 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon Finish Line! An early congratulations to the 2025 Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program kids, you’re almost there!!! Thanks to Publix Super Markets, ASICS, WK Kellogg Company, Kellanova and The MEB Foundation, each Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program participant will receive an ASICS Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program T-Shirt, ASICS Running Footwear and Gasparilla ‘Pirate’ Themed Running Socks.
36 The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association administers the Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program in cooperation with the Tampa Parks and Recreation Dept.
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